Anna-2/12/09-Animal Haven

Today Sophie, Meghan, Edith and I visited Animal Haven Shelter, an animal shelter for cats and dogs who have been abandoned and need homes.  We met with Kendra, the volunteer coordinator, who gave us a tour of the three floors and learned what Animal Haven is all about.  The first thing that struck me was the first floor which has a warm cozy feeling and seems like a boutique where you can buy pet supplies and food.  Also, on this floor are the cats that are ready to be adopted.  They are in large, spacious areas playing, sleeping, cuddling and exploring.  The first floor gives you the feeling that you really want to take one of these cats home.  I know I did.  On the floor below are dogs who also need a home.  No matter how big the dog is they are in pretty large cubicles with lots of information and directions clearly written out including their names, how long they have been there, medicine they need, if they are friendly with other dogs, different coats and leashes they require for walking.  On the top floor there is an area that looks like an obstacle course where the dogs can run around and get lots of indoor exercise and training.  Overall, Animal Haven seemed like a really well run organization.   Everything there comes from donations or from the profits that are made from the boutique sales.  What made Animal Haven seem so special is that they really care about where their cats and dogs end up.  They not only make sure the animals are well taken care of but they spend a great deal of time, socializing the animals, making them as people friendly as possible so they have better chance of finding a home for them.  One dog was deaf and was too frightened to go outside to be walked so they take him up to the training room so he gets a chance to run around.  Two adorable kittens had been dropped off in front of Animal Haven in a box of meatballs a couple of days ago.  These animals need human contact, play, training, walking, petting so a home can be found for them.

-Banana